Politics in Perspective
“And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,” ESV Acts 17:26-27
A reader sent me this thought provoking question last week: “How should I think Biblically about this new president and all the 'changes' he is making, particularly those that go against Scripture?” Hmmm. Well, that’s sort of two questions; one about the man and the second about his decisions. But the answer is the same for each.
The question betrays two things about the reader. First, that he genuinely desires to think biblically in regards to our country and secondly, the he is trying to bring Scripture to bear on an everyday situation—both are admirable. His question made me think about an article written back in November before anyone knew who had won the election. And you know what? The same biblical principles apply today after the election.
Biblical thinking begins with prayer. So, as we consider how to think biblically regarding the office of president and President Obama himself, Christians should consider prayer for the President of utmost importance. Sincere, heartfelt prayer has a way of putting things into perspective that removes our biases and preconceived notions from the equation. Prayer is like a salve to the petitioner that promotes humility. Have you ever noticed how it’s hard to be angry with someone you’re praying for?
Biblical thinking also acknowledges and affirms God’s Word in all situations. So, Christians should take heart in the fact that God himself has ordained the “allotted periods and the boundaries” of our nation. God has most assuredly ordained the term and tenure of President Obama and our other elected leaders. And no decree or decision (biblical or unbiblical) escapes his all-knowing, searching eyes. Now, to know why God allows decrees and decisions that seemingly violate his word would be to know the mind of God and we don’t know the mind of God and his ways are not our ways. His viewpoint is infinitely greater than our viewpoint; he sees things perfectly from eternity past to eternity future while see but a glimpse through sin tainted eyes.
Biblical thinking takes action based on scripture. I was reminded in a sermon just this past Sunday that Christ didn’t engage in political activism. Instead, Christ focused on the task the Father had sent Him to accomplish. Likewise, we are to do the same. The actions of others are beyond our control but for our own actions we must one day give an account. Makes you think seriously about being about the Father’s business doesn’t it?
So, my answer is threefold: Seek God in prayer. Trust in the truthfulness of God’s Word. Live your life according to Scripture. Do these three things and you can confidently face today and look towards tomorrow.
Ken Askew
A reader sent me this thought provoking question last week: “How should I think Biblically about this new president and all the 'changes' he is making, particularly those that go against Scripture?” Hmmm. Well, that’s sort of two questions; one about the man and the second about his decisions. But the answer is the same for each.
The question betrays two things about the reader. First, that he genuinely desires to think biblically in regards to our country and secondly, the he is trying to bring Scripture to bear on an everyday situation—both are admirable. His question made me think about an article written back in November before anyone knew who had won the election. And you know what? The same biblical principles apply today after the election.
Biblical thinking begins with prayer. So, as we consider how to think biblically regarding the office of president and President Obama himself, Christians should consider prayer for the President of utmost importance. Sincere, heartfelt prayer has a way of putting things into perspective that removes our biases and preconceived notions from the equation. Prayer is like a salve to the petitioner that promotes humility. Have you ever noticed how it’s hard to be angry with someone you’re praying for?
Biblical thinking also acknowledges and affirms God’s Word in all situations. So, Christians should take heart in the fact that God himself has ordained the “allotted periods and the boundaries” of our nation. God has most assuredly ordained the term and tenure of President Obama and our other elected leaders. And no decree or decision (biblical or unbiblical) escapes his all-knowing, searching eyes. Now, to know why God allows decrees and decisions that seemingly violate his word would be to know the mind of God and we don’t know the mind of God and his ways are not our ways. His viewpoint is infinitely greater than our viewpoint; he sees things perfectly from eternity past to eternity future while see but a glimpse through sin tainted eyes.
Biblical thinking takes action based on scripture. I was reminded in a sermon just this past Sunday that Christ didn’t engage in political activism. Instead, Christ focused on the task the Father had sent Him to accomplish. Likewise, we are to do the same. The actions of others are beyond our control but for our own actions we must one day give an account. Makes you think seriously about being about the Father’s business doesn’t it?
So, my answer is threefold: Seek God in prayer. Trust in the truthfulness of God’s Word. Live your life according to Scripture. Do these three things and you can confidently face today and look towards tomorrow.
Ken Askew
posted by TBC at
2/21/2009 10:00:00 PM
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